Games about big-time bank robberies have a success rate approaching that of actual big-time bank robberies. For every Kane & Lynch that makes it to store shelves and spawns a sequel, there's a Codemasters Hei$t or a Gearbox Heat that never makes it past planning. Still, the allure of a big score keeps drawing new developers, as Sony Online Entertainment today announced Payday: The Heist for the PC and PlayStation 3.

　　This guy combines the two most popular mask themes for bank robbers: clowns and patriotism. Set for release later this year, Payday will let up to four gamers plan and execute daring robberies on a half-dozen high-value targets, including a bank vault and an armored car. Players will need to work together, providing covering fire for one another, securing key access points like vents and windows from SWAT intrusion, and keeping control of civilian hostages (which can then be traded for crew members taken into custody).

　　Payday will sell "for less than half the price of a retail game." Additionally, Payday will receive downloadable content in the form of new heists, weapons, and equipment.

　　Payday: The Heist is the first project from Swedish studio Overkill Software. The studio is led by GRIN co-founder Bo Andersson and was founded in September of 2009, the month after Andersson's previous outfit officially shut its doors. Overkill is also working on a project called Storm, but details are not yet available.